Maharaj returns to snooker after 18-month break

Albert Maharaj has returned to competitive snooker after an 18-month break.

The 61-year-old is the oldest player competing in the Hussain Construction and Maintenance-sponsored Open Snooker Tournament, currently underway at the South Seas Club in Lautoka.

“It is great to be back after one year and six months in the sport,” he said.

“I was busy with work and it is good to play with these young players.”

Maharaj began playing in 1979, initially in pool before switching to snooker in 1981.

Also competing is former Coca-Cola Games long-distance runner Esala Talebula.

Esala Talebula lines up a shot during a snooker match.

Photo: Supplied

Talebula represented Sila Central College in the late 1990s, winning senior boys’ 1500m and 3000m gold medals between 1998 and 2000.

Another notable participant is Dr Vishneel Goundar, a Tavua-based medical doctor.

The 37-year-old is a general practice and emergency medicine specialist at the DSM Centre.

He said he enjoys the game of snooker alongside his medical career.

The tournament concludes tomorrow.